Super Easy Question

Anon

Hi, this might be a stupid question, but if I have a function that returns an array, do I need to declare an array before I assign the value of the function the variable? For example:

$newArr = array();
$newArr = valuefromfunction();

Or could I just do this:

$newArr= valuefromfunction();

Would the second way just pass the array into the variable? So I could call $newArr[4] if I needed?

Thanks for the help and time.

Anon

I've had mixed results omitting the declaration of the variable. I would use the two line solution for clarity and it will always work.

Anon

I disagree. Correct me if I'm wrong, but PHP doesn't require a declaration as an array before the function is called. In fact, the data type can even be changed and there will be no problem.

$var = array("zero", "one");
$var = 983;
$var = return_string();

Still, there's no harm in doing it, as the code may be a little easier to read.

Anon

I would agree with samuel. the two line soln is better, because if the function returns a null value and if you try to use an array-specific function like list, key etc without first declaring that variable as an array, an error will result.

steven

scoppc

There is no harm at all to use:
$newArr=function();
without declaring the array in advance.

In fact, I have been using it for so many times in my Machine Translation System. No errors and no risk! =)

omprakash_d

Hi,

here is my view,

i will assume both the solutions as a options.

two line solution will exists if v r not sure abt the function will return null value or a array type variable.

one line solution will exists if v r sure abt function will return array type variable.

Thanks..
OM